updated 03:40 pm EDT, Thu June 6, 2013

Could hint at shape of final tablet

A US accessory maker, Hard Candy Cases, has announced a pair of "iPad 5" cases, even though Apple has yet to debut the tablet. Hard Candy says it expects the device to be revealed during Apple's WWDC keynote on June 10th, and is taking a "gamble" that its cases -- the ShockDrop and the Squish -- reflect the hardware's final design. The accessories can be preordered for $35 and $50, respectively.

The cases appear to match leaked parts for a fifth-generation iPad, including thinner side bezels, but the timing of Hard Candy's announcement is generally believed to be erroneous. Reports have pointed to the device only starting mass production in June or July, and shipping in September. WWDC will largely concentrate on iOS 7 and OS X 10.9, and should also see the arrival of updated Macs.